The Lizard

Part 4 - Inverno -

____________________

It was winter in Luca's heart.

He had spent the night in a cell at the police station. His mud soaked clothes had become heavier and colder with every minute. And he was sure he would never forget the cracking of Raniero's skull.

Alessandro had been taken away separately and was being interrogated by Vito who could add two and two together.

Luca shared his prison-cell with Giano, Tino and Rosso. All three looked as miserable as Luca himself and his brother and friends had suffered several cuts to their faces and hands. Rosso's knuckles were torn and he had smeared blood across his cheek as he tried to wipe away the blood dripping from his nose. Giano's blond hair was a muddy-brown as Luca assumed his own to be. Tino held his elbow and grimaced in pain when he moved it. All four were pale like an icy sunrise in winter and shivered from adrenaline withdrawal. "He's dead, isn't he", Rosso asked soundless. "I heard the cracking."

"Sandro must have hit his temple", Giano said muffled. He held Luca's hands, bridging the gap between the wooden bed to the wooden bed standing opposite on the side walls of the cell. Luca stared at him as if Giano would know the answer to what was going to happen. Would Sandro be sentenced for manslaughter? Or would he be allowed extenuating circumstances because it was self-defence? But what if a clever attorney turned the truth completely around accusing Alessandro and his gang of appearing at the battle field with the clear intention of wanting to kill?

After an endless time the door to the room was pushed open. "Please come out", a voice said and Luca was relieved to see Vittorio and his colleague Carlo Lanfranco. "After I've taken your statement to protocol you all can go home. Your father's here to pick you up", he added, looking at Luca and Giano.

"What about Dante and Marcello?" Giano asked.

"They can go as well. You will all be charged with causing public offence, brawling. Some of you will have to answer to charges of drug abuse, kidnapping and unlawful detention." Vito locked his eyes with Luca's.

"And Alessandro?" he asked breathlessly.

"I hope he knows a good lawyer", Vito said.

A stone fell into the pit of Luca's stomach. He felt Giano touching his arm. "Can I see him?"

"Not yet. His wounds are being taken care of."

Giano increased the pressure of his hand. "Someone has to look at my friend", he said, pointing at Tino. "His arm hurts badly."

Vito nodded and left Tino to one of his colleagues. "Please call me when you're ready to leave, yes?" Giano said and stroked his hand over Tino's hair. Then he followed Vito across the narrow hallway and entered the visitor's room. Niccolò stood near the door, his face unreadable to the brothers. Only his eyes expressed an all- consuming lack of understanding and something more: a father's hurt pride. Wordlessly he received his sons, Rosso trotted behind them.

Luca didn't dare to ask whether they were waiting for the brothers, but followed Niccolò's broad back which stomped off in front of him. The group reached the deserted Piazza Signoria. It was too early for the gathering of tourist groups. Niccolò stopped at the Neptune-fountain and calmly pulled his handkerchief from his pocket. He wet it and cleaned first Luca's face, then Giano's. As calm as before he took a tissue from Rosso's hand and cleaned away the traces of blood from his face. "No reason to scare Mamma", he said. Then he hesitated. "How about breakfast? You must all be hungry."

Since no one dared to object, they trotted behind Niccolò into the tavola selva. Niccolò loaded his tray with marmalade and honey, cornetti and tramezzini. The boys followed with a jug filled with steaming hot coffee and milk. They sat near the panoramic window. Nobody talked. Rosso hesitated in grabbing something to eat although he was so hungry he could have eaten an elephant.

"And now you will tell me what prompted decent boys like you to allow yourself to become involved in such a fight", Niccolò started. "I'd like to know so I know what to tell your mother. And you, Rosso? it's best you start."

"Alessandro received a SMS from Luca saying that he was being held at the Casino near the stadium", Giano chimed in, putting his hand upon Rossos forearm. "Marcello and Dante stopped him on the streets and kidnapped him. Alessandro gathered us to go rescue him."

Just at the moment he said that, he knew how ridiculous it must sound to his father. Niccolò's facial expression had clouded over to the utmost. "Kidnapped? On the open street? Your brothers? Why would they do something stupid like that?"

"Because they hate us, Pappa. We doesn't work as they want us to be and therefore..." Giano was unsure how to continue.

"Therefore I was to be taught a lesson", Luca mumbled, tugging at his cornetto, plucking the soft content and stuffing it into his mouth. Everybody was looking at him. Lucas' cheeks reddened. "Carmelia was there - or whatever her name was. She..." Luca started to stutter. "She... wanted." Lucas head flung up and he glared coolly at his father. "She was naked and she wanted to fuck me. That I should lose my virginity."

Niccolò gasped. Then he shook his head. Rosso burnt his tongue on the hot coffee. Giano's cheeks were as flushed as Lucas. "Madonna."

"Your brother's ideas are really strange." Niccolò said then, stirring sugar into his coffee.

"Well," Rosso said finally with quiet voice. "I guess that's the final attempt of a heterosexual to cure a homosexual, if you know what I mean, Signore Montori."

Niccolò cursed suppressed. "And then you sent Alessandro this, er, S-thing and he came to your rescue, right? And you were all with him."

"I didn't want to", Luca said. "But things got out of hand."

"And now the Gondi-boy is sitting in custody, being accused of manslaughter."

"It was self-defence!" Giano almost shouted. "We can all give evidence. Riefoli wanted to rape Luca. He was the one who raped Tristano and the callboy."

Niccolò said nothing, just looked from one to the other. "Nonetheless the boy is dead. A mother has lost her son. Alessandro will be punished."

There was silence at the table. Everyone looked down at his plate. What did this mean to the plans Sandro had? Luca thought. For his study. For Leoni and the baby. For the inheritance. And finally, for his relationship with Luca.

"Eat", Niccolò's voice reached his ear. He looked up and saw a well- meaning shimmer in his father's eyes. "He has always been a wild boy. He must do what he has to do." Niccolò hesitated. "Perhaps he did it for love."

Tears shot into Lucas eyes and he blinked.

Giano's mobile beeped. It was Tino telling him that he was out of prison with a chipped bone in his forearm. Fifteen minutes later he joined them at the table, wolfing away the tramezzini and emptying the coffee jug. "Thank goodness no one who knows us has seen us here considering the state we're in", he said, finally leaning back and wiping his mouth with the serviette.

"Right", Niccolò began, "and therefore we should all go home. I hope your mother won't have a fit", he said to Rosso but he waved him off. "Probably we're the headlines in all newspapers today anyway."

Luca shivered. Of course. The newspapers. "What will you do with Dante and Marcello, Pappa?" he asked when they left the self-service restaurant. Niccolò didn't answer.

* * * * *

Arrigo entrusted the family lawyer Stefano Fergola with the task of defending his nephew. Arrigo had been furious to no end when he heard about Alessandro's escapade as he called it. At least Fergola had managed to get Alessandro free on bail with the condition that he had to check in at the police station once a week and he wasn't allowed to leave the town. So he could forget about his studies in Pisa. He could forget it anyway since he was only waiting for the start of his trail which could last until the start of the next year.

Luca waited for him at the entrance of the remand prison on the outskirts of Florence. He watched Alessandro halting his steps, and breathing in deeply the clammy air. It was the end of October and frost hung in the air. Perhaps this winter would be one of the rare ones when Florence would be covered with snow and big ice floes would float down the river. Then he saw Luca and his face started to radiate. He hurried to him, let his bag fall and embraced Luca. "I've missed you terribly", he muttered into Luca's ear, then he picked up his bag and dragged Luca to the waiting taxi.

Although only five days had passsed since the unfortunate night, Alessandro looked as if he had spent three months in jail. He was unshaven - well, one could hardly call it down - but there were rings under his eyes too. He smelled like curd soap, damp bed sheets and sadness. Desperately he held Luca's hand until the taxi stopped in front of his Palazzo. Luca turned the heavy iron key and opened the oak wood door. "You locked it?" Alessandro asked, surprised.

"I always lock the door. It's not a good idea to leave your home open."

"So? You think it will be plundered because the noble Gondi has made a bloody mess of his life?"

"I've moved in with Tristano" Luca interrupted him. Alessandro, one foot already into the elevator, turned to him. "With Tris?"

"Someone had to look after him when he came home." Luca pushed Alessandro into the elevator and pressed the button.

"What about the policeman?"

"Tris is in a bad state, you've seen him. He doubts everything. He can't think of amorous things right now. I thought you'd understand."

Alessandro looked at him all the time. "Amorous things?" he repeated.

"Yeah, how would you feel if your arse had been ripped and torn brutally just because you're gay? Imagine, those straights have the cheek to stuff their cocks into the shit-holes they actually despise so much", Luca spat. "And they actually get a hard on! It should have a meaning to them."

Alessandro stood mute and looked at his boyfriend. He had never heard such obscene words from his mouth. Then he nodded in agreement. "It's not only about getting a hard on, Luca. It's about power." He paused. "Are you sleeping there then? Actually I had imagined my home-coming differently."

"Of course I'm here with you", Luca said impatiently and stepped out of the elevator.

"Is Tris happy about Riefoli's death?" Alessandro stood in the middle of his room and looked around as if he was seeing it for the first time.

Luca didn't answer.

"Fergola told me he will fight for extenuating circumstances", Alessandro said with quiet voice. "Youth custody. You will have to testify in court."

Luca's voice was conciliatory "At least you did it for me. I'll do everything I can." Suddenly weak he stepped forward and fell into Alessandro's arms. He kissed him as if it was the first time and then shoved him into the bathroom where they shared a luxurious bath together. Alessandro had a plaster covering a flesh wound on his side where Raniero's nails hat hurt him, but it didn't seem to bother him too much.

Luca leaned back into Alessandro's arms and absentminded made little heaps from the foam. He sensed more than he saw that his boyfriend shivered inwardly. It was as if the paltriness of the prison's cell was deeply carved into his soul. And Alessandro couldn't let it out.

"Marcello and Dante don't speak to me", Luca started haltingly. "They treat me like empty air. The morning after we had been released I heard Pappa shouting in the kitchen. I've never seen him so angry. I don't know if it's a good sign."

Alessandro stroked Luca's upper body, over his hips and his thighs as much as he could reach. "I did it for you", he whispered, ignoring Luca's words. "Something ticked out when I saw you under Riefoli's body. I saw his naked butt as he tried to enter you. I ... don't regret it."

Luca took one of Alessandro's hands and kissed it. Luca didn't argue that he would have been able to get himself out of the situation without Alessandro and the others coming to his aid. On the other hand - he wasn't sure what Riefoli had in store for him. And he had called for help with his SMS, so wasn't he responsible for all this? He sighed almost inaudible.

"When they sentence me... will you wait for me?"

Luca's heart had never hurt as much before. "I will", he said simply and meant what he said. Despite his constricted throat he turned cautiously without too much water slopping over the rim and kissed Alessandro deeply. "Let's get out of here before we mutate into frogs", Alessandro said after he had caught his breath again.

Luca felt every muscle in his tired body when he woke up to a dull morning. A smell of rotten leaves and exhaust fumes was seeping into the room. Thankfully he remembered that he didn't need to go to work for Coppo been very understanding and had given him time off. Sleepily he snuggled to Alessandro's body who embraced him without waking up.

They were woken up by the ringing of Alessandro's mobile. Blindly he grabbed for his jacket and answered it. It was Stefano Fergola who wanted to make an appointment. He informed him that the trial would start on the 3rd of November, which was in two weeks time. Astonished Luca raised his eyebrows. That early? That had to be a record for Italian law courts. Probably Arrigo and the mayor had their hands in it and forced the early start of the trial. It was embarrassing enough that the mayor's nephew had a charge of manslaughter hanging over him. Fergola had negotiated that the original impeachment - murder - had been dropped. Fergola convinced the public prosecutor that Alessandro and his gang hadn't gone to the Casino with the intention of killing anybody.

Luca lured him back to bed and warmed Alessandro's cold feet. "Two weeks, carino", Alessandro muttered. He had buried his head in the nape of Luca's neck, bathing in his scent. "What do you think I'll get for manslaughter? Five years?"

Luca was startled. Five years? Impossible. "You will certainly get less", he said firmly, but his voice betrayed his emotions.

"Four or five years, it doesn't make much difference." Alessandro stroked his palm over Luca's waist, hip and along his thigh. He would miss the silky feeling for sure. He would miss everything that was Luca's personality.

"A difference in what case?" Luca asked.

"I'll set you free. Who knows who you will meet in the meantime."

Luca rolled upon Alessandro's body. "That's not seriously meant, is it?"

"It is." Alessandro blinked away the pain in his eyes. "If you don't meet someone it will be great. If you do, I won't be mad at you."

Luca closed his eyes. At this very moment he was mad with Alessandro. But deep down he knew that Alessandro was only being fair with him.

* * * * *

Carolina was feeding the fish and watched them for a while. "It was nice of Luca to look after you", she said then. She turned to Tristano sitting upon his sofa with a soft cushion under his bottom. "But Alessandro's been released for the moment and he wants to be with him, he said. He promised to come every day though."

"He doesn't have to. I'll come and look after you." She sat beside him and sipped at her tea cup. Slipping off her shoes she pulled her legs up on the sofa and acted like she felt at home. Tristano had a queasy feeling in his stomach.

"This crap wouldn't have happened if you hadn't decided to be gay", she said calmly. Her face vanished almost behind the big cup as Tristano stared at her. "I didn't decide to be gay!" he exclaimed.

"Well, at first you weren't, right? You slept with me and you were happy."

Tristano inwardly rolled his eyes. Had he been happy? He couldn't exactly remember.

"But if you return to your normal lifestyle you won't ever have fears. You won't be raped again. You know how many morons there are outside." Caro put her hand upon Tristano's arm and stroked it up and down. "We had a good time, Tris. I still love you. We don't have to talk about Luca and all that. He doesn't want you anyway."

Tristano said nothing. He stared at his aquarium.

"And your affair with the callboys... what did you think that you would find there, eh?" Caro continued. "That nasty sex all the time. Wasn't it obnoxious to be with them while tons of other guys had used them previously?"

Tristano's head flung around. "It wasn't obnoxious being around them. They were sexy."

Caro raised her eyebrows. "Sexy?" she snarled as if she was talking about rats.

Tristano brought his face close to hers. "You would find them sexy. You just talk about the grapes that you can't reach."

Carolina cackled with laughter. Somehow it sounded false in Tristano's ears. The doorbell rang and Carolina jumped up to answer the door. When Tristano heard the all too familiar voice his heart started to pound. Vittorio appeared in the doorway, laden with two bags. Irritated he looked from Carolina to Tristano.

Tristano beamed. "Vito! How nice. I see you are going to cook?" Cautiously he rose from his sofa. Vito, instinctively realizing the situation, said, "Stay put. I'll take this in to the kitchen."

Carolina stared at Tristano. "Isn't that the carabiniero, the one who interrogated you?"

Tristano nodded, still beaming.

"Great, then I'm superfluous." She put on her anorak and scarf. "You still haven't had enough, have you, Tristano. It must feel extraordinarily good to have a truncheon up your arse." She opened the door and banged it closed behind her.

Tristano sighed loudly and Vito exited the kitchen. "Trouble?"

"Yeah. But what did you in mind? Did you really came here to cook?"

"Sure. Tonight I'll use up my overtime. Come." Each step gave Tristano pain, but it was getting better each day. Vittorio had spread all kind of vegetables over the kitchen table. "You like tuna? It's fresh from the market." He showed him the dark red pieces of fish.

Tristano nodded. "Can you cook or shall I?"

Vittorio laughed. "I'm old enough to be able to cook. And here," he presented a bottle of wine. "Best South-African wine. What do you say?"

Tristano swallowed and looked at him. Vito's black eyes radiated and the presence of his body so close to his own was overwhelming. And yet, he backed away. He didn't want to be touched. "Great", he croaked. Vito came even closer. "You aren't afraid of me, are you?" he said with his best gentle voice.

Tristano slipped away and examined the vegetable. "This is excellent. How will you prepare the artichokes?"

"Don't evade me, Tris. I see fear in your eyes." But Vito remained where he was and didn't try to press Tristano. "Go and relax for a while. I'll take care of all this. Where are your pans?"

A delicious scent wafted through Tristano's flat as he laid the table next to the window where he had sat with Luca so often. Before all this shit had happened.

"Was she your girlfriend? I've seen her occasionally at the hospital." Vito asked. He cut the tuna which had a small raw stripe in the middle and was melting upon Tristano's tongue.

"She was. And she wants me back."

Vito dipped his leaf of artichoke into a sauce and sucked the bitter-fruity flesh. "She wants you back?" he asked then, putting the remains of the leaf at the rim of his plate. "Why?"

"Why? Because all this would never had happened if I hadn't decided to be gay, to quote her words."

Vito arched his dark brows. "You decided?" he asked in a mocking tone. "I knew right from the start whom to follow."

"Yeah, you. Some people take a bit longer." Tristano slid upon his cushion.

Vito reached out and stroked his palm over Tristano's cheek. "Don't be angry. I can imagine what you have gone through. I've seen many things."

"Nobody can imagine what I've gone through", Tristano objected, flinching at Vito's gentle touch.

"Oh yes, I can. Do you think sexual experiences are always pure joy and fun? I know about sex that hurts."

Tristano looked wide-eyed at him. His broad shoulders under the tight, black shirt. The narrow waist. The deep tanned arms. And his confident, rousing hands.

"So, she thought you would return to her because you don't want to have another nasty experience just because you're gay, right?"

"Right."

"That's pure nonsense, and you know that, Tris. It's as if a raped woman would turn into a lesbian just because she doesn't want to have anything to do with men anymore. Well, perhaps it's understandable. But that's not what it is about. You are what you are. Right from the beginning. You can never turn back. Or do you feel you are bisexual? If yes, I need to go. I couldn't live with that."

"Bisexual?" Tristano's head was spinning. This was all too much for him. "I'm not." He finished his vegetables and tuna until something kicked in. He looked up. "You couldn't live with that?" he asked. "What do you mean? It shouldn't bother you."

Vito lay down his knife and fork and wiped his mouth with the serviette. A sensual mouth with too red lips. Too red for Tristano not to be tempted. He looked into Vito's black eyes and realized how thick his lashes were.

"I thought you would understand the reason I'm here", Vito said quietly. "I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. But you never called me."

"Never called you? I tried every day but you was always on holiday."

"Ouch. That's right. But afterwards. And then I had to find you this way. At our mutual buddy Sergio's." A small grin graced his mouth. Tristano felt something tugging at his heart. Hadn't Alessandro said that he - Tristano - would feel the same again with the right man? Perhaps he was right. He hoped desperately that it was so.

Slowly he reached out and put his hand over Vito's. "Were you ever that badly hurt?" he asked. When Vito shook his head, he continued, "You think it will be the same as before?"

"It will. But even if you never want to do it again.... you can't get rid of me." Vito's eyes sparkled. "There's so much else we can do." He winked.

Tristano almost didn't dare to look into his eyes. But as he did, he felt a knot untying itself within him.

______________________

Alessandro's trial was held separate from Marcello's and Dante's trial. They were accused with dealing in drugs and pills at the Casino; and in addition with the kidnapping and unlawful detention of their brother Luca.

On the 3rd of November, a Tuesday, the families gathered in front of room 389 in Florence' court house. The press weren't allowed inside so they all pushed themselves into the corridor to shoot the best photo of Alessandro di Gondi-Lucertola. He demonstratively held Luca's hand - a fact Luca was proud of. They could think what they wanted. Niccolò had come as well as Giano and his boyfriend Tino, taking a break from their studies. Rosso was there and Carolina as Tristano oddly realized. And Vito was at his side of course. They would all have to give their statements. The trial was expected to last for two days.

Someone tapped upon Tris' shoulder. "Ciao, bello. How are you?" Sergio. He was looking as good as ever. And next to him Alfredo, a bit more slender than he had been before. They had both called regularly to see how Tristano was doing.

"Well...." Tristano pointed helplessly to the mass around them.

"Your new boyfriend?" Sergio asked, looking over to Vito, standing a bit to the side, getting the people under control.

"My friend", Tristano answered. "Perhaps he will be more, some day."

"You should hurry, bello, before someone else takes that gorgeous thing from you." Sergio winked and slapped Tristano's butt. Thankfully it didn't hurt anymore. Alfredo grinned at him. Probably he hadn't had such big problems as Tristano had. Good for him. His eyes searched for Vito. Their eyes met. Gorgeous was the right word, Tristano had to admit to himself. Pure man. Strong in body and mind. Before he could think he had reached Vito and pulled him around the corner, away from the jumble of the crowd. "What other things we can do?" he asked out of the blue.

Vito's face was a question mark. He held Tristano tight though and tried to fight the urge to kiss him. But he hadn't expected Tristano's boldness. He pressed his lips upon the all too red ones and sighed into Vito's mouth. A flash of light illuminated the rather dark corridor. Vito looked up, then he let go of Tristano and marched straight to the press photographer. "No photos are allowed of the witnesses, buddy. Give me the film, please." He stretched out his arm determinedly.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" The photographer, a young Fuzzi with dreadlocks looked amused.

Vito pulled out his police id and held it under dreadlock's nose. "The film is confiscated. Avanti."

Dreadlock muttered something like 'faggots among the police'. Vito took him by the collar of his shabby cord jacket. "Another word and you can say good-bye to your job, capisce?" He took the roll of film and put it into his pocket. Then he shooed dreadlock away. Calmly he turned and asked "What did you ask before?"

Tristano, impressed by Vito's self-assured behaviour, blurted, "I asked when will you be ready to try out all the other things we can do. How about tonight?"

Vito pulled Tristano to his side by his belt and kissed him. "It's about time you asked."

It was a delicate matter. Alessandro had given Fergola the go-ahead to tell the complete truth. Fergola started with the attack on Tristano d'Astangli and Alfredo Domenica. The culprit had turned out to be the late victim Raniero Riefoli. That the circle of young man, gathered around Alessandro Gondi, did not immediately go to police with their information, was due to their youth.

One after the other Tristano and Alfredo had to give evidence, then Luca. Fergola stated the details of the close relationship between Alessandro and Luca Montori and justified Alessandro's strong motive, to help him out of his predicament.

Vito watched the reactions of the judge and public prosecutor. Surprise was painted on both faces. Especially when after a break the door opened once more and Leoni da Firenzuola di Gondi-Lucertola entered the hall. A slight baby-belly stood out under her coat. She flitted to the last row and sat next to Arrigo, Alessandro's uncle.

Alessandro grew a shade paler, but immediately he lifted his head and stared straight into nothing. At any other time he would have enjoyed this trial and the attention it brought. But today all he wanted was for it to end. He knew what was waiting for him and he had no illusions that he would escape unharmed out of this predicament. For a long time he had gone through the months that he would have to spend alone in youth custody, separated from everything that had made his life liveable. But hadn't it been always that way? Hadn't he always been alone? His eyes searched for Luca, sitting bravely in the first row next to the other witnesses and tried to smile at him.

"I think the strong ... let's call it by its name, signores e signori ... relationship between Alessandro Gondi and Luca Montori contends a strong motive for Alessandro Gondi." The prosecutor started with controlled and accentuated words. "Luca Montori's friend Tristano d'Astangli had been hurt. He had been hurt badly. To be precise: he had been raped." He paused for effect. "The public prosecutor's office has discovered that the murdered Raniero Riefoli and two of his... " he lifted his shoulders, and obviously searched for the right words, "friends?" he suggested, looking around, "was the culprit, the DNA-test has convicted him post mortem. So far so good." He paused and licked his lips.

"The motive for the rape was the hatred of homosexuals. When Alessandro Gondi heard that his boyfriend Luca Montori had been held at the aforementioned Casino he tried everything to liberate him and to take revenge. Alessandro Gondi had learnt that this Casino was Riefoli's favourite hide-out, after the police had searched for him to no avail. When Alessandro Gondi did not go to the police department to report his hypothesis, it is to be assumed that he intended to start a personal retaliation campaign."

The prosecutor paused once more. He rose from his chair and looked directly at the judge. "Alessandro di Gondi-Lucertola had the full intention of starting a fight. He was full of scorn. Remember, his friend had been so badly hurt that a hospital stay was necessary and his boyfriend Luca Montori was in danger. He feared, Luca Montori would share the same fate as Tristano d'Astangli. And therefore he was not bothered in the least how hard he hurt Raniero Riefoli. Alessandro Gondi wanted revenge, no matter what evil it would bring. And he got it. He took the stone and let it crash mercilessly upon Raniero Riefoli’s skull. Alessandro Gondi is a clever guy, he must have known what force a stone of that weight would carry."

Alessandro jumped up, his face red. "I never had any intention of killing anyone. Those filthy swine just got what they deserved!" Fergola dragged him down and hissed some words into his ear.

The judge ogled at Alessandro while the prosecutor sat down and looked up to the judge who indicated to Stefano Fergola to begin his speech.

"Signore Giudice. Much was said today. I stress that it was the wish of my client Alessandro Gondi to tell the complete truth without exception. It is his wish that you learn his real intentions." His eyes briefly touched Leoni. "It is no secret in this town that Alessandro Gondi - though married - feels attracted to his own gender. In a modern, tolerant town like Firenze it never was a problem. Until intolerance started to visit us, creeping into our town, forced on by ignorance, brutality and stupidity. The late Raniero Riefoli obviously belonged to this category of human. He and his gang broke into the circle of young man who did not pursue any other thing in their lives except to be happy."

A disapproving sound came from the prosecutor's side.

Fergola shot him a glance. "We contest Alessandro Gondi wanted to take revenge. All he wanted was to prevent his boyfriend Luca Montori becoming another victim of rape. This, and nothing else, was his sole intention when he challenged Raniero Riefoli on the evening of the 15th October. It was neither a cowardly ambush nor a surprise attack. The gang of Raniero Riefoli had to have been prepared that Luca Montori's absence would not remain unnoticed. Therefore they were prepared for a fight with any help they could get."

He paused and glared at the prosecutor. "Everything you said before is in Alessandro Gondi's favour. His boyfriend was in the clutches of a rapist. Alessandro Gondi feared his boyfriend would endure the same brutal attack and rape as Tristano d'Astangli had to endure. This was a strong motive to start a fight to rescue him. Nothing more. Our witnesses have given statements that Raniero Riefoli fought hard and threatened Alessandro Gondi's life."

"Thank you Signore Fergola", said the judge. "The prosecutor has here some informative photos." He handed them over to the court usher and he gave them Fergola. "I take it you know of these photos?"

Stefano Fergola took them. "Yes, Signore Giudice." Alessandro bent over them and then jerked back. They were photos taken shortly after Tristano's arrival at the hospital.

"You see the injuries?" the judge asked.

"I see them", Fergola said.

"Don't you believe that this sight was reason enough to set free hatred against the culprits?" the prosecutor asked. "Unbridled hate which had to be satisfied? Alessandro Gondi wanted to hurt the offender as much as his friend had been hurt. Even more so. He wanted to let them feel how it was to be bashed. He even would have accepted death."

"I protest decidedly against that. Your statement is pure speculation. You do not know the thoughts of my client."

The judge nodded. "We will close the session for today. We will continue tomorrow 10 o'clock sharp."

Stefano Fergola sorted the papers into his folder and looked at Alessandro. "It will be alright, Sandro. They won't sentence you for manslaughter though I can't promise you an acquittal." His dark eyes with the lachrymal sacks examined Alessandro carefully. "It will probably come down to grievous bodily harm resulting in death." Alessandro reciprocated Fergola's look. He was aware that the judge didn't seem to be very friendly and therefore he hadn't any hope for a lenient sentence.

"I'm at my office, you can call me any time." Fergola rose. "See you tomorrow."

"Thanks for all you've done. I know you're doing your best", Alessandro said what he thought would be appropriate.

Fergola gave him a thin smile and went out of the court room, Arrigo at his side, talking to him.

Luca wanted to hurry to Alessandro but Leoni stepped in his way. She placed herself in front of Alessandro and hissed "You've made a fool of me in front of all these people!"

"Who cares about that now, Leoni?" Alessandro said tiredly, trying to shove her out of his way.

"You forget I carry your baby and my husband...", she lowered her voice. "fucks with boys. What do you think you're doing here? Aren't you ashamed?"

Suddenly Alessandro's face carried such an expression of hatred that Leoni jerked back, startled. He brought his head close to Leoni's face and snarled "This shit I'm sitting into happened because of narrow-minded people like you, Leoni da Firenzuola. Accept what I am. You're paid well for that. And now get out of my sight."

People stood and watched the scene; some with amusement some with deprecation. Pitiful eyes touched Leoni who turned with a beet red face and sailed out, searching for Arrigo. Alessandro's somewhat regretful stare followed her. But he hadn't the desire to care for his wife. In his thoughts he chewed at the word wife and spat it out. He had other problems now.

Luca waited for him at one side. He took his arm and dragged him out into the corridor. They were awaited by photographers who shot photos of the couple which would make the headlines in the tomorrow's newspapers. Vito went to stop them, but Alessandro didn't bother. His coming out was now official and his marriage with Leoni has been outed as a complete farce. Good. He wrapped his arm around Luca's waist and kissed his ear. He hoped the photos would be great.

Vito grinned at him from behind, his arms folded in front of his chest. "Good show, Alessandro. See you tomorrow then."

"No way, you're coming with us", Alessandro objected. "Let's celebrate the first day of my trial."

"Celebrate?" they asked unison.

"Work is calling", Vito said, lifting Tristano's chin and giving him a brief kiss. Tristano looked disappointed. Vito whispered into his ear "I call you later, promise."

"Alright then ", Alessandro said, " let's go." He took Luca's hand.

Tristano stood in the kitchen of Palazzo Gondi and together with Tino cooked Spaghetti Bolognese. Tino stirred the meat in a huge pan, chopping tomatoes and mushrooms and wondered about the madness of having a banquet on this actually sad day. Alessandro had plundered his wine cellar. When everyone was seated around the large kitchen table Alessandro toasted. "It's good to have friends", he said. "Although I'm not sure if I deserve them." He screwed up one eye. "Or why." He looked into the half-grinning faces and emptied his glass in one go. Then he threw the glass over his shoulder where it smashed on the kitchen wall. "That's how the Russians do, right?" he exclaimed. "Drink and forget and start once more."

Luca stared confused at him. He was putting on his own fare-well party although there was still one day of trial left. He must be convinced that he would be sentenced for a long time. "Eat", Alessandro said after he had taken another glass and had poured himself more of the wine. "Tris, you outdid yourself", he grinned and winked at Tino. "And you should apply for the position of his kitchen-boy when he opens his first ristorante."

"You have to go into prison tomorrow?" Luca asked, when the laughing had subsided.

"Fergola says no. I have a few days left." He locked his eyes with Luca's; a promise to use them well. "And now let's not talk about it, alright? Tell me about Pisa instead", he said to Giano. "Have you been in the pathology lab already?"

"Madonna, no. Not in this semester."

Tino grinned at him meaningfully.

A bit tipsy Tristano returned home and decided not to wait for Vittorio's call. Probably a policeman was never off-duty. In that case he wouldn't be disappointed. But he was about to pour himself a glass of water when the doorbell rang. Of course it was Vito and Tristano's heart suddenly pounded in his throat. Vito's sight always knocked him over; his physical presence was overwhelming though not threatening in any way. From behind his back he conjured a single white rose and grinned mischievously. "I found out you like roses."

Tristano wished Vito couldn't see his blush. Why was he so damn shy with this man? Vito peeled off his jeans jacket. Under it he wore a black polo-neck jumper. He looked staggering handsome and Tristano hurried into the kitchen to put the rose into a tall glass. "You want something to drink?" he shouted into the room and immediately returned with his bottle of water and another glass. "Oh, you surely won't want to drink water, right?" Like a startled hen he scurried back into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of wine.

Vito stood in the middle of the room with his arms folded in front of his chest and arched brows. Suddenly he caught Tristano, wrenched the bottle from his hand and held him tight. "Why are you so nervous? I'm not going to do you harm." He lifted Tristano's head and placed a soft kiss upon his lips. Tristano didn't struggle, but instead he wrapped his arms around Vittorio's narrow waist. Naturally his body fell against Vito's. He felt the long, fighting fit legs and the broad shoulders. "Water's fine", Vito murmured at his ear. "If I drink alcohol I'd fall asleep instantly." His lips were following a trail from Tristano's ear lobe along his neck to the shoulder. "Say I should stop and I'll stop", he continued to murmur, but Tristano wanted anything but to stop him. Although something deep within him screamed a no, because his body wasn't ready for too much affection.

"Is that your TV in the bedroom?" Vito asked, suddenly listening. "There's something about the trial." He stepped into the small bedroom and set himself in front of the TV. Tristano sat upon his bed and stared at his own face on the screen. "Do I look that shitty?" he mumbled when Vito let himself fall next to him. "Huh?" Vito's eyes started to glisten but then he listened to the man reporting from the courthouse. "I had a thing for Alessandro Gondi", Vito admitted then. "His marriage was really ridiculous. I wondered why he had to do it."

Tristano slid higher upon his bed and kicked off his shoes. "Did you have him too?" he asked.

"Alessandro? No. You?"

Tristano shook his head.

"May I?" Vito had kicked off his shoes too and waited for Tristano's ok to lay beside him. "But you had three-somes with the callboys, right? They are famous for it", Vito said, leaning sighing against a pillow and yawned.

Tristano didn't answer. His whole body was tensed up. And Vito smelled so enticing. It was good to lay next to him. After a moment of silence he realized that Vito had fallen asleep, his head had sunk upon his shoulder and he looked peaceful like a little boy. Tristano grinned. On the TV the German screen adaptation of Donna Leon's "Aqua Alta" started but he couldn't be bothered to watch the unalluring, though most sensitive commissario Guido Brunetti. Instead he leaned against Vito, closed his eyes and cautiously stroked Vito's chest and his face. When his hand slipped under his pullover Vito stirred and opened his eyes with a start. "Shit, did I fall asleep? Damn." He rose to a sort of sitting position and looked down on Tristano. "I'd better go."

Tristano rose likewise. "Then why did you come when you have to go now?" Bolder he grasped Vito's arm and pulled him closer. He didn't know what Vito read in his eyes, but he suddenly pulled his pullover over his head, leaned over and pressed his lips upon Tristano's. Heat radiated from Vito's body and his scent became stronger. Tristano's fingers slid lower and stroked lightly over Vito's abdomen and caressed his thighs. He was sure he felt a bulge that was larger than usual. Vito purred almost inaudibly. "Shall I stay here?" he asked and felt Tristano's nod.

Undressing went almost by itself and it didn't take long until both were naked except for their underwear. The flickering light of the TV-screen illuminated Vito's olive coloured skin. A dark down, almost invisible, spread over his chest. It felt so soft when he embraced Tristano to kiss his neck, letting his hand wander down, pushing back Tristano's tight underpants. Without looking he held Tristano's expanded organ lightly in his palm and rubbed the skin slowly up and down with his thumb. Tristano wanted to scream. But this time with pleasure.

After a deep look into Tristano's eyes, Vito's head disappeared, caressed Tristano's upper body and stopped at his most sensitive part, that was hard as it hadn't been in a long time. And all that Tristano could do was close his eyes and enjoy the pleasure Vito's tongue, mouth and teeth was giving him until he screamed incoherent words in reality.

Vito been stroking himself and as he lay his heavy body upon Tristano's he felt both puddles of semen mingle together. "Was it alright?" he asked quietly. "Shall I go now?"

Tristano opened his eyes. "Are you mad? When do you have to get up?" He held Vittorio very tight and felt the body under his fingers relax. The last thing he thought was that he could easily fall in love again.

* * * * *

Alessandro's friends had given testimony on the second day of the trial. They told how Alessandro had gathered them to help out a friend who had been held in the clutches of some unfriendly, primitive hooligans. It had been a real set-to but nothing else.

Rosso confirmed this statement by telling that Raniero Riefoli was about to rape Luca Montori and before he could go to help Alessandro had flung himself upon Riefoli's body and both had a dangerous fight. He stressed that Riefoli had tried to strangle Alessandro who had taken up the stone in self-defence.

The judge sat sleepily like an overfed frog and glared occasionally at Alessandro. In opposition to his agonized appearance his brain worked quickly and sharply. Point A) Gondi was gay and probably fucking all the other queers in town. Point B) He was keen on Luca Montori and wanted him for himself. Point C) Luca Montori was at the Casino with dozens of willing girls, ready to increase his range of experience. Point D) Alessandro Gondi wouldn't allow him to fuck with a girl. Point E) Was Luca Montori telling the truth at all? Him being "kidnapped" by his own brothers? Point F) That's ludicrous.

After the lunch break the hooligan's evidence was heard. From all of them saliva had been taken on the same night of the 15th October. Tristano and Alfredo had been confronted with the people present at the Casino. Alfredo had recognized his rapist as well did Tristano his own. They had been quickly found guilty because of the saliva-tests. The rest of the louts, being witnesses to the fight, described Alessandro and his buddies as an armed gang, ready to smash in their heads. In the same breath they assured the judge that Luca Montori was at the Casino voluntarily.

The judge lifted one of his heavy lids and glared again at Alessandro. It was about time that this scum with a noble name came off the streets. And those greasy louts with him. He allowed the woman from the youth welfare office to speak, who described Alessandro as an adolescent who had never needed to be responsible for anyone except himself. He lived for the day. "Everything changed when he met Luca Montori. I got the impression that he developed strong feelings for this young man. I believed that he was caring for him and his welfare. Nonetheless I am convinced that Alessandro Gondi's psychological structure is immature. He is led by feelings and momentary moods, who force him into thoughtless and impulsive actions. If it comes to a sentence, I strongly recommend using the juvenile law."

"Thank you." The judge nodded to her. "We'll close the hearing of evidence here. You have the final word." His heavy eyes looked at Alessandro.

"I have nothing more to say than I didn't intend to kill Riefoli" Alessandro said with firm voice. "It was an accident. I was defending my own life. He deserved a beating. Or is allowed that the bashing of faggots goes unpunished?" Alessandro's eyes glared fierily at the judge. An angry young man who showed no remorse. Mumbling came from the audience.

The judge did not need too long to verbalize his judgement. From his paper he read: "Alessandro di Gondi-Lucertola will be sentenced to three years and eight months for grievous bodily harm resulting in death. I could not find any sign or remorse in the young man.

Alessandro di Gondi-Lucertola is guilty of forming a mob with the intention of selfjustice. The town of Florence can not tolerate this anarchist behaviour. In the result of the brutal fight - it stood at nine versus five - a young man has found his early death and only Alessandro di Gondi-Lucertola is to be held responsible. He will be delivered to the youth custody prison at Poggibonsi. I hope this will be helpful in taming his rebellious being."

Luca flopped back upon his stool, searching for Alessandro whose face was unmoved. Fergola patted his hand and talked quietly to him. Murmurs filled the hall. Giano was taking Luca's hand and he felt Rosso's arm around his shoulder. He shook them all off. He couldn't bear their pity nor their compassion. With a hanging head he left the hall and was caught up by his father. Niccolò had followed the trial until the end, but now he was shocked, especially when he had to see his son. The prospect of the trial of his eldest sons didn't make him happier. Niccolò had given up punishing himself by thinking that it was solely the fault of the Gondi-boy with whom everything had started. Luca was gay and so be it. With all the consequences. He stroked his son's hair and then pulled him into an embrace. It felt strange for Niccolò for he hadn't done it since his sons had reached manhood. But it didn't feel wrong, quite the opposite.

"You motherfucker", hissed close to his ear. Niccolò held the struggling Luca and saw the hooligans gathering as Alessandro exited the hall with his lawyer. "You killed one of us. Look at them!" They pointed to a couple, standing aside, the stout woman eyes brimming with tears, the short, bony man with burning eyes.

Stefano Fergola took Alessandro's arm. "Riefoli's parents", he said with low voice. Alessandro bent his head and passed without looking at them. "Alessandro, you know that with the youth custody there's no chance for an appeal. On Monday I'll pick you up. I advise you to behave well and you'll be out in half of the sentence."

Alessandro nodded absentmindedly. He accepted the sentence anyway, although he still thought it not fair since he had been defending his own life. "Alright", he said gloomily. "But if they think they will break my will, they are mistaken..."

And when he was out, all of them can get lost. With twenty million he could do whatever he wanted. Even take revenge.

"It's all my fault. If I hadn't sent that stupid SMS you'd never come and..."

"... killed Raniero." Alessandro's movements ceased inside Luca. Instead he lay his body down upon his boyfriend's and embraced him . "Say it. I killed him. And I don't regret it. The judge was right."

"But you came to my rescue. You were defending your own life. How can they sentence you for that then?"

Alessandro shushed him with kisses. "A human's dead because of me. I need to be punished."

"How noble." Luca almost sobbed, but instantly he took a grip of himself. This final night should not be filled with tears and reproaches.

Alessandro moved gently within him, as deep as he could, considering his position. "Deeper", Luca murmured after a while, forgetting time and place.

Fireworks exploded behind his closed lids. He let himself be driven wherever Alessandro led him and at the end of the endless night neither counted the couplings, the orgasms, the places where they loved each other. All that counted was the closeness.

"Did you ever reconsider our relationship?", Alessandro asked. He looked up into Luca's face, damp strands of blond hair hanging onto his forehead as he sat, straddling Alessandro, clutching his shrivelling penis with all his inner muscles.

"Why should I?"

"To ask yourself if you're happy with me." Alessandro tenderly stroked Luca's drooling cock.

"I don't have to ask. I know I am."

"Happy?"

Luca nodded and sucked at Alessandro's underlip. "Will you jerk off every night, thinking of me?"

Alessandro laughed. "I promise." Then he was serious again. "Listen, carino. Poggibonsi isn't exactly around the corner. I'll give you the Ferrari as gift if you promise to get your driver's licence. And you can live here if your home is too dangerous for you."

"The Ferrari?" Luca asked with big eyes.

"And the bike if that's easier for you. The license has to be written in your name. The car won't become any better by standing around all day long, don't you think. And you can visit me as often as you can."

Luca rocked his upperbody thoughtfully, making Alessandro's cock hard again. Luca must be sore as he himself was, but what was a little pain compared with three years and eight months of parting? Three years and eight months without sex. He pushed Luca upon his back, following his body movement without letting his penis slip out. Luca's legs rested upon his shoulders and as Alessandro didn't hear the familiar "deeper", he closed his eyes, satisfied, and surrendered himself to the steady, increasing rhythm he interrupted only by sheer willpower because he knew how much Luca loved it when he alternated long, slow thrusts with gyrated little pushes. He sat upright and bent deep enough down to reach Luca's cock, although his back hurt. He licked the clear fluid flowing down the shaft and nibbled at the rim of the glands. Luca moaned with closed eyes.

Alessandro would never forget his face so close to orgasm. Luca's penis jerked in his mouth and he let it free. One final long thrust and Luca's body tensed. From his chest a heat wave covered his neck and face and his penis spurted; enough to send Alessandro into orbit.

Then they lay panting; happy and sad together. Morning was close. And with the morning reality would enter their lives.

Dawn was seeping through the thick curtains as Alessandro rose from the bed, pulling them aside. The sky was of a washed out blue. He leaned back against Luca who had followed him, embracing his waist. "I think I can hardly bear to let go", he whispered, and Alessandro grinned. He couldn't either. "A pleasant souvenir from you", he whispered back and shivered.

Luca was glad Sandro had already said good bye to Tris and Rosso, to Giano and Tino, so they had the remaining time for themselves. And Sandro had even gone to Luca's parents to apologize and to thank them for their understanding. Clarissa had surprisingly shed some tears and Niccolò had patted his shoulder. Apparently they could forgive him for being a man who had killed another no matter if it was deliberate or not. Perhaps they would forgive him too for making their son unhappy.

They both extended the shower together and cared for each other as best as they could.

At a quarter to ten a car honked in the yard. Arrigo and Stefano Fergola had come to take Alessandro to Poggibonsi. Luca froze at first and then automatically grabbed for Alessandro's bag.

"No", Alessandro said gently. "Stay here. I can't take it. We'll see each other again. I'll write as soon as I can." He kissed Luca and held him tight until the moment was gone and Luca felt cold and empty. The door had closed.

______________________

Marcello and Dante were sentenced to two months imprisonment and two years probation with the condition to meet each month with the probation officer. They were sentenced to social hours at an almshouse, and, as Raniero once had, to work at a AIDS-station. In December the rapists of Tristano and Alfredo were sentenced to two and a half years. The judge didn't use the Children and Young Persons Act and so they had to serve the sentence in Florence.